Being An Ally- Family Violence Prevention Month 2022
“Abuse thrives in isolation and dark places and often people experiencing abuse can feel alone, afraid, ashamed and unseen. Family Violence Prevention Month shines a light into those dark spaces. It shows people that there is help, that they are not alone, and that their experiences matter. Family Violence Prevention Month also creates space for community members to learn more about abuse as well as giving practical supports to those who want to be allies but are not sure how.”
November is Family Violence Prevention Month (FVPM). Family Violence Prevention Month began in 1986 after a group of citizens in Hinton, AB became concerned with the growing number of family violence incidents in their community. Beginning as an educational campaign, their work inspired the Government of Alberta to support family violence prevention as an ongoing provincial initiative, leading each November to be declared Family Violence Prevention month by both provincial and municipal leaders.
For many organizations across Alberta, FVPM is an opportunity to raise awareness on the issues that surround family violence while also encouraging others to get involved with the movement by sharing resources, being allies, and supporting those who experience family violence. This year, The Today Centre is bringing forward the theme “Celebrating Men as Allies in Working to End Family Violence”, which was introduced at our Help Today, Hope Tomorrow fundraising breakfast. The use of this theme recognizes the importance of including more men in the conversations we have surrounding family violence, acknowledging the key roles they play in the education and prevention of family violence to young men and boys through role modelling positive behaviours and relationships. Men being allies can take many forms, from learning to recognize abusive behaviour, calling out friends in a conversation about inappropriate behaviours, creating safe spaces for people to come forward, and so much more. It can even be as simple as as replying, “I don’t get it” to an inappropriate joke.
Each week of November we’ll be addressing different tangible ways men (and all people) can get involved in the conversation and work towards preventing family violence in their communities. This week we’ve started at the beginning, looking towards addressing what it means to be an ally against family violence.
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Next week we’ll be discussing how to be an informal support to those experiencing family violence. We’d love to hear your thoughts on what it means to be a support to others. #shareyourthoughts with us (you can enter once each week) and be entered to WIN a $15 Tim’s Gift Card. Each week there will be a new prompt you can answer, so there are multiple opportunities to win all month long.
What does it mean to be an ally to people experiencing family violence?
GET EDUCATED- Read reliable resources on family violence that explain signs of violence, safety plans, resources available, the process of escaping, and more.
EDUCATE OTHERS- Step up to the plate and speak out on misinformation. Share resources with others and start the conversations on these issues.
SAFE SPACE- Provide others with a safe space to come forward. Be respectful when a survivor may not want to share their story with you, respect their right to say no and the choices they make in their situation.
LISTEN- Without judgment! Listen empathetically to their story and understand they are the expert on their experiences. Giving people the opportunity to talk and potentially seek help is a great start.
UNDERSTAND- Many individuals experiencing family violence will look to informal supports like friends and family before seeking help from a formal support.
What does it look like for men specifically TO BE ALLIES?
Listening to individuals and their experiences around violence.
Learning how to identify the signs of family violence and recognize you don’t need to have all the answers to help.
Providing a safe space for individuals to share their story with you.
Responding with helpful and positive phrases when someone does share; “I believe you.” & “It isn’t/wasn’t your fault".”
Challenging sexist and discriminatory jokes and language used every day, all around us.
Getting Involved with educational efforts from various campaigns (see below).
Supporting local support programs and resources available for families experience family violence.
Examining own behaviours and how they may contribute to the problem.
Understanding the roles you play as father, son, brother, mentor, role model…
Role Modelling positive and appropriate behaviours in everyday interactions and relationships.
Becoming an advocate for change.
Share your thoughts!
Share your thoughts on men as allies with us and be entered to win a $15 Tim Hortons gift card! Follow the button below for the form.
The Today Centre encourages everyone to take part in Family Violence Prevention Month by learning how all of us can become better allies in the quest to end family violence. If we lead by example, we can inspire others to do the same and encourage each other to not stay silent on family violence in our communities. Below are some resources for supporting men and boys in raising each other up to be better allies.
We ALL deserve to live in a healthy community that is safe and free from family violence and together we can make Edmonton a safer place for every person.
Resources
The Today Centre (780) 455-6880 | info@thetodaycentre.ca | After hours support call 211
**If in immediate danger call 911